Remove Objects with Content-Aware Fill (and When to Use Generative Fill) in Photoshop
Content-Aware Fill is great for removing small, simple objects by sampling nearby pixels. For larger or complex areas, Generative Fill can create new, context-aware content for cleaner results. Follow these steps to use both effectively.
Step-by-step instructions
Make a selection around the object to remove
Choose the Lasso Tool (L)
Draw a loose selection around the object(s) you want to remove
Use Content-Aware Fill for small/simple areas
Go to Edit → Fill (Shift+F5)
Set Contents → Content-Aware
Click OK and review the result
Press Cmd/Ctrl+D to deselect if satisfied
Switch to Generative Fill for complex removals
Keep or redraw the selection
Open Generative Fill: Use the Contextual Task Bar → Generative Fill, or Edit → Generative Fill
Leave the prompt empty to remove content, then click Generate
Cycle through variations and pick the best result
Extend your image with Generative Expand (recommended)
Select the Crop Tool (C) and drag outward to add canvas
In the Contextual Task Bar, set Fill to Generative Expand
Leave the prompt empty and click Generate/Commit
Review variations and choose the most natural-looking edge fill
